6 things to do outside of Chongquing

Chongqing is such a unique city.  It has one of the largest populations in China.  The urban area is absolutely massive.  Here are some recommendations of things to do while visiting the area.  

1. Eat some spicy food.  

The Sichuan providence is known for it's spicy food.  Chongqing is definitely the spice center for that.  White pepper and Sichuan peppers frequent the dishes in the region. I am not a spicy food lover, so I even told the chef that I wanted zero spice and I was crying by the time I finished my non-spicy meal.  When I Rome I guess, right? At least once.  Then you can frequent western chains if you can't handle the heat.

2. Visit the Longshui Gorge in Wu Long

 As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there's lots to see in the gorge with the bridges, nearby rivers, waterfalls, and ancient building structure called Tiansheng.  It's a geological wonder and was formed over thousands of years.  

3. Shop for some souvenirs outside the city.  

You'll find all kinds of treasures.  Many of them are home made from the locals who are extremely kind.  

4. Check out the 3 natural bridges 

These 3 natural limestone bridges are pretty impressive and are named after dragons. The area was the setting place for several movies and during the summer is extremely lush with all kinds of indigenous species growing on the side of the gorge.  

5. See the Fairy Mountain National Forest Park

A glorified park with open spaces where kids can run around in the western world is a big deal to many people in China.  Many of the Chinese that were on the tour with us were amazed to not see a building and have complete mountain views.  Bonus: There's a train that goes around the park.

6. Go to a rural outdoor market. 

See how people shop for food in rural China.  There are all kinds of roasted animals that you may or may not have wanted to see.  True story: a couple asked to take a picture with me and their kids and then even asked me to take them home with me.  It about broke my heart.  

Chinese Fairy Mountain

Just to get to the Fairy Mountain National Forest from Chongqing is a trek in and of itself.  We took an entire day to get there and the 3 Natural Bridges near Wu Long.  It was a 4 hour ride on a tour bus from Chongqing, and it was quite the trek through the jungle and winding roads.  Once we got there, there weren't many people and could enjoy the solitude of few lines and not a lot of people.  That was quite the stark difference from overpopulated sky-scraping Chongqing. 

We were really surprised when we got there because a local had really talked it up to us on the way there.  They said it was the most gorgeous place that he had ever been to.  We were shocked to find what you would see at an American Park: open spaces with trees and grass.  To us, it was normal, expected around every few blocks in every city.  To those in Chongqing however, it was a sanctuary from the city.  A haven from the chaos, noise and constant people.  

There's a train inside the mountain to take you around with a few stops.  We found that many of the stops were the same as before: grass, trees, and open space.  What a surprise and shock for us.  

Gardens in Suzhou

The classical Gardens of Suzhou were added to the list of  UNESCO world heritage sites throughout the world.  They were designed as a classical Chinese Garden with old pagodas, ancient trees, indigenous plants and shrubs.  Around every corner you look, you'll want to stay and breathe and just listen to the water flowing and birds chirping.  It's a perfect afternoon or morning walk, a perfect little getaway in the city.   

A stroll through Panmen Gate State Park

There are 3 main landmarks of this area you don't want to miss: 

• Pan Gate, or the entrance to the park
• Riugang Pagoda or Northgate Pagoda, which is the earliest built in Suzhou


• Wu Gate Bridge, or land and water bridge

Pan Gate (盘门 - Panmen) State Park

The North Temple Pagoda瑞光寺塔 - Ruiguang Baota

The Gate and Pagoda date back to some the earliest architecture in Suzhou.  In fact, the North Temple Pagoda is the earliest pagoda in Suzhou and the surrounding area.  

Walk through Gusu Gardens and you'll see waterways, ponds, ancient trees and gorgeous landscaping. 

You'll take a path up to the original city wall attached to the ancient gate.  The original city wall, meant to keep those inside safe and intruders out, was built in 514 BCE! The Land and Water Gate is complex for both land and water travelers.